A lake surrounded by mountains another natural wonder
Lake Tahoe is the result of a basin formed by land sinking between two faults

(according to the FAQ) and it is not a volcanic crater.

About 2 million years ago lava flowing from Mount Pluto formed a barrier across

the basin's outlet.

It is 35km long, 19km wide, 115km around, 501m deep and it is 1897m above

sea level.

Half the lake is in California and the other half in Nevada

San Francisco to Lake Tahoe, I lost my way in the maze of freeways around

Sacremento and kept going on the I80, this was serendipity because the route

(49) I took to get back onto S50 was a geat ride.

In 3D

I rode around the lake, there are small communities around most of the California

side, the Nevada side only had casino's at both State borders

In 3D

Across a 2300m high mountain pass to get to Lake Tahoe

Does my bottom look big in this outfit, Lake Tahoe in the background

Its pretty all the way around, take your pick

Some of these vista's are very long, scroll sideways to see the rest

There was some sort of Bike race or gathering this weekend and there were

thousands of these guys/gals riding around everywhere obstructing and breathing

in the fumes of all the 4 wheelers.

This a winter sports town so the bikes thing must be to keep the local business

from going broke in summer

A fine day 18c with blue skies all round so I decided to walk to the Nevada state

border (another stupid decision) about 7.2km, I did not know this when I started,

it only took a few minutes riding my bike.

This is the Upper or Lower Truckee river

Lake Tahoe Beach

Me at the beach, not in the water

Big Ducks or they could be Geese or Swans

This is an escapee from the local asylum, he thinks he's a duck, the water is just

above freezing point. They took him away in a padded jacket with a fish in his

mouth.

Your guess is as good as mine

Local Art

This is what people come here for in winter

Only in America, taking the Dog's for a walk

Vicious man-eating bears everywhere

Another local happening, people having fun playing Horses and Wagons

The state border at last, casinos start right on the border

I took this while lying down for a rest on the 7km hike back